T8 and T12 are the cheapest setups you can get. You can get a dual T8/T12 and light bulbs for around 20 bucks at lowes,home depot

Do I want a t12 or a t8 which one?

in this example i will use 4x4x2 area. say we go for like 10k lumens.

t8
30 = 2 x 2bulb fixture
18 = 2 x 2 bulb daylight
50 total
energy usage = 128 watts
lumens = 10.4k
efficiency(lumen/watt) = 81

t5
159.99 4 bulb 4ft fixture (with bulbs)
160 total
energy usage = 216 watts
lumens = 20k
or
95 2bulb 4ft fixture (with bulbs)
95 total
energy usage = 108 watts
lumens = 10k
efficiency(lumen/watt) = 92

CFL
12 diy fixture ( power strip 4$ÃÂ + light socket to plug adapters 8$ + some alum foil as reflector..(free)
32 4 cfl bulb )
50 total (factor in misc expense for diy)
energy usage = 168 watts
lumens = 11.2k
efficiency(lumen/watt) = 66

conclusion
i would just buy t8s because they have lower start up cost and decent efficiency for a hobby grower.

This post was edited by OKgrowin on Tue, Mar 11, 14 at 15:39

Alright im looking right now at 48inch light wit 2 T12 bulbs will this work for me

Its between that or a 48inch grow light with 2 T8 bulbs

Its between that or a 48inch grow light with 2 T8 bulbs

Go with the T8 (1" diameter bulbs). T12s (1.5" diameter) is old school and is still around mostly because a gazillion offices had them installed decades ago and still need the bulbs.

If you plan to raise fruit under lights, HID is less expensive than fluorescent of any kind.

OK so I understand every one says to use the long flurescent bulbs but I have 2 reflector lamps and found 2 bulbs at homedepot that put out 4300 lumens each and our soft white light so my light will have 8600 lumens plus the tinfoil to reflect the light will this work if not what is the minimum amount of lumens I need